Your Community Development Resource

Port of Houston approves $1M in Bayport projects

2010-01-29T04:22:00.000-08:00

Port of Houston approves $1M in Bayport projects: "The Port of Houston Authority this week approved two contracts totaling about $1 million for construction projects on the Bayport terminal. "

Texas installs the most wind power in '09

2010-01-28T05:34:00.000-08:00

Texas installs the most wind power in '09: "Texas installed more wind power than any other state last year, according to a report from the American Wind Energy Association today. "

Houstonian Hotel on TripAdvisor's Top 25 list

2010-01-28T05:31:00.000-08:00

Houstonian Hotel on TripAdvisor's Top 25 list: "The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa came in at No. 9 on TripAdvisor.com’s list of the top 25 hotels in the United States. "

New Metro line to serve Energy Corridor

2010-01-23T10:10:00.000-08:00

New Metro line to serve Energy Corridor: "Energy Corridor District employees will soon have a new way to get to and from work. "

Alpheus expands fiber network in Houston

2010-01-20T08:07:00.000-08:00

Alpheus expands fiber network in Houston: "Fiber optic network operator Alpheus Communications LP has completed a major addition to their network in north and west Harris County. "

TWC program offers employers incentive to hire unemployed Texans

2010-01-19T04:35:00.000-08:00

TWC program offers employers incentive to hire unemployed Texans: "Texas employers may be eligible for a financial incentive for hiring out-of-work Texans thanks to a new two-year, $15 million program created by the Texas Workforce Commission. "

More restaurants open at downtown's Pavilions

2010-01-12T05:59:00.000-08:00

More restaurants open at downtown's Pavilions: "Diners have four more options at downtown's Houston Pavilions development with the recent openings of restaurants totaling more than 21,000 square feet. Houston restaurateur Youssef Nafaa has opened Andalucia Tapas Restaurant & Bar, which offers traditional Spanish dishes, and Mia Bella Trattoria specializing in Italian fare. "

Energy XXI shares soar on major oil find

2010-01-11T17:57:00.000-08:00

Energy XXI shares soar on major oil find: "Shares of Energy XXI Ltd. skyrocketed by nearly 40 percent to a new 52-week-high Monday as the company announced a major discovery on its Davy Jones ultra-deep prospect in the Gulf of Mexico. (MMR) (EXXI) "

Wärtsilä inks Texas power plant deal

2009-12-01T08:14:00.000-08:00

Wärtsilä inks Texas power plant deal: "Wärtsilä North America Inc. has been awarded a contract to supply equipment for a 170-megawatt, gas-fired power plant north of Lubbock. "

Key council vote set for development near Bush

2009-12-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

Key council vote set for development near Bush: "A Houston developer plans to lease 10 acres near the George Bush Intercontinental Airport from the Houston Airport System to build a mixed-use project. It would be the first of its kind for the airport system. "

Sugar Land named one of safest cities

2009-12-01T07:58:00.000-08:00

Sugar Land named one of safest cities: "Sugar Land is one of the safest cities in America, according to CQ Press’ City Crime Rankings 2009-2010: Crime in Metropolitan America. "

Houston to be ground zero for Reliant, Nissan deal

2009-11-13T13:48:00.000-08:00

Houston to be ground zero for Reliant, Nissan deal: "Reliant Energy and Nissan Motor Co. have agreed to work together and make Houston the launch city for the two companies’ efforts to promote the use of electric vehicles. (NRG) "

Lack of Development

2009-02-27T16:51:00.000-08:00

Well Ladies and Gentlemen,Due to the recent economy, suffice to say, there hasn't been much to post on this blog. So, I'd like your help. If you know of any developments in your area, please email me (alephew at gmail.com) so you can share the good news with everyone! Now since there is much un-development happening, let's report on that as well. When I created this blog (my first), I did it to

Retail development on Pittsburgh's South Side could lead to residential growth

2008-12-23T06:45:00.000-08:00

Pittsburgh Business Times - by Tracy Carbasho Commercial real estate developers say the brisk retail activity on the South Side has primed the area to be a hotspot of residential growth. “The South Side has become a desirable residential neighborhood, attracting young people and upscale professionals,” said Peter Sukernek, general manager and vice president of Howard Hanna Commercial Real Estate

Sterling House embarks on $1M center

2008-12-23T06:42:00.000-08:00

Dayton Business Journal - by Mary Beth Lehman DBJ Staff Reporter Sterling House, an assisted living home in Troy, has started construction on a 17,000-square-foot memory care center, which will create 22 rooms and 25 beds for people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Company officials said an increase in residents with dementia and an expected increase of people

DoT eyes Texas for high-speed rail

2008-12-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

Houston Business Journal Texas will be part of a federal program to create high-speed passenger train service, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The agency said it plans to begin accepting bids from companies that will finance, design, build, operate and maintain high-speed trains in 11 federally designated corridors, according to Transportation Secretary Mary Peters. “

Gold’s Gym comes to Madison

2008-12-21T08:09:00.000-08:00

The Business Journal of Milwaukee Gold’s Gym is opening a new club in Dane County in the summer of 2009 in a 45,000-square-foot building that will be part of The Shops of Orchard Pointe in Fitchburg. The Madison office of Lee & Associates represented Gold’s Gym in the $7 million, 10-year lease in the 110-acre development in western Dane County. A spokesman for Lee & Associates said Gold’s Gym,

Pizza Fusion to open in Orlando

2008-12-21T08:05:00.000-08:00

Orlando Business Journal Pizza Fusion, an eco-friendly national restaurant chain, plans to open its first Central Florida location in the Dr. Phillips area in February. Orlando-based FreshCrafters Inc. is the franchisee for the new 2,723-square-foot, 100-seat restaurant on West Sand Lake Road. The eatery is slated to be the first organic-certified restaurant in the area, according to a news

KC Council OKs $20.5M advance for Citadel Plaza project

2008-12-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

Kansas City Business Journal "The Kansas City Council on Thursday voted unanimously to advance $20.5 million for the Citadel Plaza, a $90.5 million mixed-use redevelopment proposed for a blighted portion of the city’s East Side. The long-delayed project — generally bounded by 59th Street, 63rd Street, Brooklyn Avenue and Prospect Avenue — got a boost in September when the City Council approved a

Atlanta officials seek $750M for repairs

2008-12-15T17:41:00.000-08:00

Grants, bonds would be funding sourcesBy ERIC STIRGUSThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution Wednesday, December 10, 2008Atlanta city officials propose using bonds and money from federal and state grants to pay for $750 million in improvements needed on city streets, bridges, sidewalks, vehicles and traffic. Mayoral adviser David Edwards called the repairs a public safety issue. But he and Public

State approves Albany Medical Center’s $360M expansion projec

2008-12-15T17:31:00.000-08:00

The Business Review (Albany) Albany Medical Center says the State Hospital Review and Planning Council has approved its plans to expand the hospital and construct a $360 million complex to be located at the front of the patient tower that faces the corner of New Scotland and Myrtle avenues. The six-story complex will take several years to build, Albany Med said. It will include a neonatal

Voters reject $56.1M school building

2008-12-15T17:23:00.000-08:00

By KENNETH C. CROWE II, timesunion.com Staff writer First published in print: Friday, December 12, 2008 BALLSTON SPA — Voters in the Ballston Spa Central School District defeated by a nearly 2—1 margin Thursday a $56.1 million plan to expand the middle school.

Jordan-Elbridge voters reject turf, approve repairs

2008-12-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

by Catie O'Toole / The Post-StandardThursday December 11, 2008, 9:45 PMJORDAN, NY - Voters in the Jordan-Elbridge school district today approved only one of three propositions in a $27 million capital project.Many repair projects that needed to be done passed, but voters rejected a proposal to install artificial turf and improve the athletic facilities.Here is a breakdown of the votes:Proposition

Americas Plaza development takes shape

2008-05-23T15:04:00.000-07:00

Retail center, residential site planned east of downtownBy KIM JACKSONChronicle Correspondent In a city where the old is often replaced by the new, developer Alan Atkinson is making a statement by using two historic buildings as the centerpiece for the modern, mixed-used Americas Plaza development in the eastern shadow of downtown Houston.Situated on the corner of the Navigation Boulevard/Canal

Penn Turnpike plan could hike tolls 25%

2008-05-23T14:59:00.000-07:00

Abertis-Citi EncounterHigh Costs and PotholesFor Infrastructure InvestorsMay 21, 2008; Page C16America is definitely becoming a mecca for deal-hungry infrastructure funds. Whether investors in this burgeoning asset class making the pilgrimage to these shores will find redemption, however, is far from certain.[Picture]A consortium led by Spanish transportation and highway operator Abertis has

Lauth Plans 3M-SF Distribution Park

2008-05-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

By Jim T. Ryan5/19/2008Lauth Property Group, an Indiana-based construction and property-management firm, today announced plans to begin construction on the first of three buildings for the Key Logistics Park in Cumberland County.The first building will be nearly 1.2 million square feet off exit 37 of Interstate 81 in Penn Township, said Marc Lotter, a Lauth spokesman. Key Logistics Park includes

Highest-ever gasoline prices expected this Memorial Day

2008-05-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

Houston Business Journal Texans will be paying the highest prices ever for a gallon of gasoline during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, according to AAA Texas. This week, the state recorded an average price of $3.68 for a gallon of self-serve gas after prices climbed 15 cents. Nationally, the average price shot up 13 cents to a new record of $3.78 per gallon. "Record gas prices and tough

Utility bills in Houston highest in the nation, survey shows

2008-05-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

Houston Business Journal - by Ford Gunter Reporter Houston had the highest home utility bills in the nation last month, according to a survey released this week by the WhiteFence Index. Houston's average monthly utility bill was $332.69 for the month of April. By comparison, average bills in Los Angeles were $206.44, putting it atop the "most affordable" list. The national average for April

$6M Library Breaks Ground in Pittsburgh

2008-05-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

By Brianne Harrison via globest.comPITTSBURGH-Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh broke ground Friday on its newest library here. The $6 million project will be located at 1210 Federal St. in the North Side area of the city. Karen Loysen of Pittsburgh-based Loysen + Kreuthmeier Architects designed the new library. Construction bids are currently being accepted, and building is expected to commence

130 acre master-planned industrial park in Fort Worth

2008-05-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

By Connie Gore FORT WORTH-With word out about the 130-acre land buy, ProLogis is unleashing details about its plan to develop a $100-million industrial park in North Fort Worth. Infrastructure work will begin soon, setting the stage for a 525,000-sf spec cross-dock as the lead-in to the 2.1-million-sf build-out plan. ProLogis Park Fort Worth will sit at the crossroads of Interstate 35W and Loop

Colorado companies added 10,100 jobs in April

2008-05-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

Denver Business Journal Colorado businesses added 10,100 nonfarm wage and salary jobs in April, a slightly greater increase than usual for the month, the state Department of Labor and Employment said Friday. Nonagricultural employment has grown 43,600, or 1.9 percent, over the past 12 months, rising to 2,357,300. "Job growth is expanding at a pace similar to last year, but rising energy and

Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing spending $2M on ads

2008-05-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia Business JournalGreater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp. said Thursday that it will launch a $2 million advertising campaign to promote the region. The campaign will kick off June 1 and run through September, GPTMC said at its annual meeting Thursday. Advertising will run in national magazines, as well as newspapers, online, on billboards, cable television, satellite radio

Envision Crestview Station

2008-05-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

BY KATHERINE GREGORThe new 20-acre Midtown Commons broke ground this week; it will be Phase I of Crestview Station, Austin's first privately built transit-oriented development. As such, the "new urban village" designed around a transit stop offers a picture of Austin's desired land-use future.Continue Reading

Developments get a breath of fresh Texas air

2008-05-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

Crystal Falls and Pearson Ranch developmentsCrystal Falls First broke ground: 1997Acres: 5,000Homes: 10,000Price Range: Low $200,000s to $1 million+Builders: David Weekley Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Mercedes Homes, Perry Homes and moreOn the project: “We are hitting on all cylinders and should be in the top three communities for growth in the Austin Standard Metropolitan

SPAC receives $2.5M from state Senate

2008-05-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

The Business Review (Albany) - by Adam Sichko The Business Review SPAC receives $2.5M from state Senate The Saratoga Performing Arts Center will soon get a face-lift, thanks to $2.5 million from the state Senate. The funding will pay for a new facade that's modern and environmentally friendly, said Marcia White, the center's president and executive director. Construction is scheduled to

Hotel Indigo coming to College Park, Ga.

2008-05-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

May 14, 2008H&MM Week In Review ATLANTA (May 9, 2008) - IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)], one of the world's largest hotel groups by number of rooms, today announced that a Hotel Indigo is coming to downtown College Park, a well-established community near Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport and one of the fastest growing cities in metropolitan Atlanta.

San Antonio apartment community to make way for major mixed-use project

2008-05-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

San Antonio Business Journal - by Tricia Lynn Silva A local developer's purchase of an apartment community in North Central San Antonio could hold the key to jump-starting new development along a major artery feeding into the expanding Fort Sam Houston. Philip Bakke, president of Bakke Development Corp., has purchased the El Chaparral Apartments. The community is located on approximately 10

Port San Antonio moving forward with Kelly Town Center plans

2008-05-15T07:09:00.000-07:00

San Antonio Business Journal - by Tamarind Phinisee During last week's Civic Leaders Luncheon, officials with Port San Antonio briefly discussed plans to move forward with the development of a 200-plus acre, mixed-use project called Kelly Town Center. If all goes as planned, the proposed project will include shops and restaurants, office space for firms providing support for Port businesses,

Dallas' Venture Commercial working to lease up nearly 500,000 square feet in growing market

2008-05-15T06:56:00.000-07:00

Dallas Business Journal - by Lauren D'Avolio Staff writer A 460,000-square-foot mixed-use power center is planned for Tyler, about 100 miles east of Dallas-Fort Worth. Cumberland Park will have eight to 12 major tenants and, perhaps, the ability to siphon department store anchors such as J.C. Penney and Dillard's from cross-town rival mall, Broadway Square, said Clay Mote, who's leasing the

Austin's Brackenridge Tract: $5.1 million, 350-acre tract on Lady Bird Lake

2008-05-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

Austin Business Journal The University of Texas System Board of Regents has officially hired Cooper Robertson & Partners LLP, a New York city master planning firm, to develop plans for the Brackenridge Tract. The contract, which could exceed $5.1 million, was signed on April 21 by Cooper and the UT System. At a special meeting on March 26, the board unanimously voted to select Cooper as its

Design/build team selected for U.S. Highway 281 toll project

2008-05-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

San Antonio Business Journal The Alamo Regional Mobility Authority Board of Directors on Wednesday selected Cibolo Creek Infrastructure JV to serve as the design/builder for the 281 North Toll Project. The value of the contract is $330 million and it will be paid for by a combination of public funds from the Texas Mobility Fund, money generated from the sale of toll revenue-backed bonds and

California fund buys Uptown/Turtle Creek office buildings

2008-05-15T06:26:00.000-07:00

Dallas Business Journal The Bruin Fund, a $250 million opportunity fund based in Irvine, Calif., has purchased Oakwood Tower and One Lee Park West, two Class B, multi-story office buildings in Uptown/Turtle Creek. Delaware-based Thompson National Properties LLC helped complete the fund's first acquisitions. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Built in 1964 and 1972, respectively, the

Albany: Construction-related road changes

2008-05-15T06:02:00.000-07:00

by Pedro Ramirez IIIThursday May 15, 2008, 7:28 AMSyracuse, NY -- Here are some of today's construction-related road changes: I-81Traffic will be reduced to one lane northbound from Exit 14 (Route 80) to the Tully/Lafayette area from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. Route 174Construction continues in the village of Marcellus between Main Street and Scotch Hill Road. Traffic is reduced to a single lane

Bicycle Projects

2008-05-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

These city of Austin projects are either ongoing or in development:Bicycle/Pedestrian Barrier Removals 1) Jollyville Road/Loop 360 Construction of a shared-use bike and pedestrian path to allow for travel from Jollyville Road, across Loop 360, to the Arboretum area. 2) South Lamar/U.S. 290 Construction of Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks and bike lanes connecting South

Growing with Austin: Crestview Station developers hold groundbreaking

2008-05-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

KVUE Newshe first phase of a unique new Austin development near Lamar and Airport Boulevard is underway. Groundbreaking ceremonies were Tuesday morning in the first phase of the Crestview Station project -- Austin's first mixed-use development that will go up adjacent to the Crestview Station commuter rail stop in North Austin. This is Austin's first

Builders start on The Yacht Club project at Lake Logan Martin

2008-05-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

Birmingham Business Journal - by Lauren B. Cooper Staff Construction has begun at a new 509-home community on Lake Logan Martin. Atlanta's Waterside Properties LLC recently broke ground on The Yacht Club, which will be situated on 215 acres on Lake Logan Martin east of Birmingham. Plans call for executive and estate custom homes, town homes and waterfront condominiums, as well as a

Builders to begin $13M expansion of downtown parking deck

2008-05-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

Birmingham Business Journal - by Lauren B. Cooper Staff Construction is slated to begin Wednesday on the $13 million expansion of the parking deck adjacent to the proposed Marriott Renaissance Hotel in downtown Birmingham. The expansion will double the deck's capacity by adding 700 more public parking spaces. It also will include reconfigured entrances and exits for better traffic flow, a

Daniel Corp. completes first phase of $540M project in south Alabama

2008-05-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

Birmingham Business Journal - by Lauren B. Cooper Staff The first phase of a $540 million residential project in south Alabama that Birmingham's Daniel Corp. and Retirement Systems of Alabama partnered on is now complete. Bayview at Colony at the Grand, near The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, opened recently as the first residential component in the development. Prices for the Bayview condos

Developers plan $35 million project on Lake Tuscaloosa

2008-05-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

Birmingham Business Journal - by Lauren B. Cooper Staff Lake Tuscaloosa is slated to get one of its first gated communities in a $35 million development on the coveted lake near the University of Alabama. B.G. Development Group Inc. plans to develop Legacy Point, a 55-cottage community on 55 acres of the lake, and market the property to Tuscaloosa residents and those who frequent events at the

NY's gas prices fourth highest in country

2008-05-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

The Business Review (Albany) New Yorkers pay more for gas than nearly everyone else in the country, according to AAA. In New York, the average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded gas is $3.896. That compares with $3.95 in Alaska, $3.94 in Connecticut and $3.93 in California. Rounding out the top five states with the highest gas prices are Illinois, at $3.894 a gallon, and Hawaii, at

Syracuse, NY -- Here are today's construction-related road changes:

2008-05-14T11:59:00.001-07:00

by Pedro Ramirez IIITuesday May 13, 2008, 6:14 AMI-81The right lane will be closed southbound at Exit 15 (US 20) from about 8:38 a.m. to 3 p.m. Route 174Construction continues in the village of Marcellus between Main Street and Scotch Hill Road. Traffic is reduced to a single lane between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The road work will continue through the summer. I-481Traffic will be reduced to one lane

Developers seeking zoning change to build health care campus in Halfmoon

2008-05-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

By ALAN WECHSLER, Business writer First published: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 HALFMOON -- Plans for a hospital and medical research campus in this town

DiCicco Development plans hotels along Pittsburgh's Parkway West

2008-05-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

Pittsburgh Business Times - by Ben Semmes A Moon Township-based development company has secured two franchise deals for hotels that will be built along the Parkway West. DiCicco Development LLC expects to start construction next spring on a 128-room Hilton Garden Inn and a 101-room Homewood Suites at its Scott Station development in Moon, west of Pittsburgh, the company announced Friday at a

Cox eyes Perimeter office tower

2008-05-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

Atlanta Business Chronicle - by Douglas Sams Staff WriterCox Enterprises Inc. is proposing a 28-story office tower at its Lake Hearn campus near Perimeter Mall to park its rapidly growing AutoTrader unit. Plans call for the 28-story tower, along with a future 20-story office building, a 350-room hotel and a nine-story parking garage that could be linked to the new fly-over bridge crossing

Austin To Get A 30-story Pelli-designed Tower

2008-05-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

(AUSTIN, TX) -- The Austin Museum of Art (AMOA) unveiled a rendering for the new downtown Museum facility and multi-purpose co-development that will be built on the block it owns at Fourth and Guadalupe Streets today. Additionally, a lead gift of $3 million from Bettye H. and William C. Nowlin for this phase of the institution’s capital campaign was announced. The new Museum building will be

$7.6M gift to help fund St. Vincent expansion

2008-05-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

Pittsburgh Business TimesSt. Vincent College said a $7.6 million donation from an alumnus will help fund a $40 million expansion of its science center. The Latrobe, Pa.-based school said the center will be named The Sis and Herman Dupré Science Complex in recognition of the gift from the couple. An inventor and entrepreneur, Herman Dupré graduated from St. Vincent College in 1953. The

Pittsburgh's URA approves Downtown projects

2008-05-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

Pittsburgh Business Times - by Ben Semmes Pittsburgh's Urban Redevelopment Authority gave approval Thursday to grant and loan agreements involving two critical Downtown developments. The URA's board of directors voted unanimously to authorize agreements for Market Square Place, to be built in the former G.C. Murphy building, and the Century office building, a residential conversion project.

3 PNC Plaza: $200 million "Green" Mixed - Use

2008-05-14T10:51:00.000-07:00

Pittsburgh Business Times - by Ben Semmes Estimated cost: $200 million What: 780,000-square-foot, 23-story mixed-use tower will be home for PNC Financial Services Group Inc. Where: Intersection of Fifth Avenue and Liberty Avenue at Market Street Downtown. What's unique about it: The mixed-use nature of the building is unique in Pittsburgh. Once completed, 3 PNC Plaza will be one

Pearland Town Center to add 20 new shops

2008-05-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

Houston Business Journal Twenty more retailers and restaurants are being added to the 1.2 million-square-foot Pearland Town Center mixed-use development set to open on July 30. Those set to open include: Ann Taylor Loft, Coach, Icing, Journey's, Yankee Candle, Select Comfort, Jos. A. Bank, James Avery, Kay Jewelers, Gymboree, New York & Co., Children's Place, Zumiez, A'gaci, Fossil, Learning

Regent Square in North Montrose, 24-acre mixed-use project

2008-05-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

Posted at Swamplot.com

Westfield Launches 500,000-SF Office Project in Denver

2008-05-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

"350,000-SF Prelease with Xcel Energy Spurs Construction of New 22-Story Office Tower at 1800 Larimer St.Written by Jason Mower at Costar.comWestfield Development Co. said it will begin construction on what it described as Denver's first downtown office high-rise development in more than 20 years after Xcel Energy agreed to lease approximately 350,000 square feet in the new building expected to

"People who say we can't do anything about congestion are wrong. We can do lots,"

2008-05-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

By FRANK GREVEMcClatchy Newspapers Published on: 05/14/08WASHINGTON — Fine-tuning controls on the nation's traffic signals would cut U.S. road congestion by as much as 10 percent, transportation experts estimate.It would also reduce air pollution from vehicles by as much as a fifth, cut accidents at intersections and save about five tanks of gas annually per household, according to the National

Courteous? Not drivers around Atlanta

2008-05-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

Survey says we are No. 1 in several sins of the roadBy KEN SUGIURAThe Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionPublished on: 05/14/08 Driving too fast, tailgating, making cell phone calls while driving, making obscene gestures to other drivers. According to a national survey, no one does these things more than

Waters, Walden schools may close; public hearing Wednesday

2008-05-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

By LAURA DIAMONDThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 05/14/08About 25 people attended a public hearing Tuesday on a plan to close an Atlanta elementary school, but a larger crowd is expected tonight at a meeting about closing a middle school. Atlanta Public Schools proposed shutting down Waters Elementary and Walden Middle schools at the end of the school year because of declining

Whole Foods to build store between Montrose and Waugh

2008-05-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

Development will include apartments, stores By NANCY SARNOFF Copyright 2008 Houston ChronicleWhole Foods Market plans to build a store between downtown and River Oaks as part of a 13-acre development that will include apartments and shops. The Austin-based natural and organic grocery chain will lease the northeast corner of West Dallas and Waugh from the Finger Cos., the

Despite concerns, feds encourage Chinese investment in Arizona

2008-05-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

Phoenix Business Journal - by Mike Sunnucks Phoenix Business Journal Is Phoenix prepared for the Chinese dragon? Spurred by economic growth and increasing wealth, China is primed to expand its foreign investments into the U.S. The U.S. Department of Commerce and the Bush administration are bullish on that notion. They want to attract more foreign direct investment into the U.S. from China

Port Canaveral: At least $234.8M worth of projects creating 4,000-plus jobs.

2008-05-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

Orlando Business Journal - by Chris Kauffmann Staff WriterThere's a nationwide economic slowdown? Not at Port Canaveral, which now has at least $234.8 million worth of construction in the pipeline that will create 4,000-plus jobs. The construction activity is so intense, the Canaveral Port Authority has upgraded its Web site to be more user-friendly for contractors and other businesses to get

Boston again near the top in economic vitality index

2008-05-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

Boston Business Journal - by Jesse Noyes Boston Business JournalFor the second consecutive year, Boston took a top spot in a list of the most competitive metro areas in the country. Greater Boston ranked second in level of competitiveness, beat out by Salt Lake City, among 50 city regions in 2007, according to the annual "Metro Area Competitiveness Report" compiled by the Beacon Hill Institute

Fair Oaks development to bring up to $39 million

2008-05-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

Memphis Business Journal - by Einat Paz-Frankel Staff writer SWAN Development Group LLC has launched The Villas at Fair Oaks, a 144-condominium community near Fair Oaks Golf Club in Oakland. Condos there will range from $208,900 to $274,900, which would bring the total worth of the development to $30 million-$39 million, says Arnie Birmingham, one of four partners at SWAN. Eight of the 10

$300 million intermodal facility and industrial park under development

2008-05-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

Houston Business Journal - by Jennifer Dawson Houston Business Journal A $300 million intermodal facility and industrial park under development in Fort Bend County could create 2,000 jobs over the next 15 years. The Kansas City Southern Railway Co. and Chicago-based CenterPoint Properties Inc. formed a joint venture agreement last month on the 800-acre project. The intermodal hub will serve as

Lenders giving yellow light to new construction

2008-05-14T07:47:00.000-07:00

Houston Business Journal - by Nicole BradfordUnder the threat of an economic recession and with much of the country's real estate market near a grinding halt, financial underwriters in marginally affected Houston say they are now, more than ever, keeping an eye on unsold inventory. Local commercial real estate experts say they expect Houston's market to slow down slightly from last year but

Schools say inflation puts them at risk

2008-05-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

To protect jobs, campuses, Texas' funding system needs to be revamped, educators say By GARY SCHARRER Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle Austin BureauAUSTIN — The school funding system approved by Texas lawmakers two years ago provides no new money to cover rising costs — especially for fuel, utilities and health insurance — and officials warn the plan's tax revenue

Magellan Midstream building Texas pipeline

2008-05-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

Associated Press 05.12.08, 10:47 AM ET"TULSA, Okla. -Petroleum product pipeline company Magellan Midstream Partners LP said Monday it will spend $240 million to build a Texas pipeline from East Houston to Port Arthur and upgrade a related terminal. Magellan will build an 80-mile, 16-inch pipeline linking its terminal in East Houston to the Port Arthur refining region. The pipeline, which will

Perimeter Mall bags luxury stores

2008-05-13T14:18:00.001-07:00

Atlanta Business Chronicle - by Lisa R. Schoolcraft Staff Writer Last year, Perimeter Mall announced it was targeting luxury retailers to draw the affluent shopper. Now, upscale shoe, apparel and bath product shops have signed on and are beginning to open. Both XXI Forever, which has trendy Beverly Hills fashion boutiques, and Italian footwear designer GEOX, are making their Atlanta debut

Carriage Crossing sees increase in traffic with Marriott, power center

2008-05-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

Memphis Business Journal - by Einat Paz-Frankel Staff writer Robust development at Houston Levee and Highway 385 is driving more shoppers to The Avenue Carriage Crossing in Collierville. The open-air mall is now enjoying traffic from two new additions to the area: the 131-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel and a new power center that features big-box retailers such as Sports Authority, which

Retail project set for former Earnhardt Ford site

2008-05-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

Phoenix Business Journal - by Jan Buchholz Phoenix Business Journal The southwest corner of Rural and Baseline roads in Tempe looks radically different after an eight-week demolition process that will make way for a 147,000-square-foot Lowe's home improvement store and other retailers. Earnhardt Ford had been a mainstay at the intersection since 1976. But the Earnhardt family decided to

Biggest Pottery Barn will be in Atlanta

2008-05-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

Atlanta Business ChroniclePopular home furnishings retailer Pottery Barn is set to open its largest store at Lenox Square in Buckhead. Near Bloomingdale's on the first floor, the new flagship store will have more than 33,000 square feet. The store is slated to open in July. "We are especially gratified that Pottery Barn chose to open its largest store at Lenox Square," said Tisha Maley,

Airport moves step closer to security fast lanes

2008-05-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

By RUSSELL GRANTHAMPublished on: 05/12/08 New York-based Clear said the Atlanta airport has picked the company to run a high-speed security line for paying members, although the pilot program still will require approval from the City Council. The tentative approval means the world's busiest airport

EarthLink to pull the plug on Wi-Fi in Philadelphia

2008-05-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

By DEBORAH YAOThe Associaited Press Published on: 05/13/08EarthLink Inc. is pulling the plug on its troubled wireless high-speed Internet network in Philadelphia, once touted as a model for how big cities should deploy Wi-Fi. EarthLink, which once pinned its future on municipal networks such as Philadelphia's following rapid declines in its dial-up Internet access business, said Tuesday that it

Houston: Real estate transactions

2008-05-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

Magellan to put down $240M for Houston-area projects

2008-05-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

Houston Business JournalMagellan Midstream Partners LP plans to invest $240 million to connect its East Houston terminal to Motiva Enterprises LLC's Port Arthur refinery. The Tulsa, Okla.-based energy company will construct an 80-mile petroleum products pipeline from Port Arthur to its 8,500-mile pipeline system beginning near Galena Park. Magellan (NYSE: MMP) expects the pipeline to be

Bay Area Houston: Developers lose big in Clear Lake

2008-05-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Bay Area Houston: Developers lose big in Clear Lake

Attendance options under fire

2008-05-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

Board will look at choices tonight for realignment in North Syracuse schools. Monday, May 12, 2008 By Sapna Kollali Staff writer at syracuse.comMore than 130 Clay parents have signed a petition opposing one of the three final options for realigning North Syracuse's middle schools and adjusting enrollment figures, and many plan to speak out at tonight's school board meeting. The parents,

Sculpture in the Streets returning to Albany June 13

2008-05-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

The Business Review (Albany) Sculpture in the Streets, an installation of large works of figural and abstract art, is returning to downtown Albany, N.Y., this summer. Eighteen sculptures created by 14 artists will grace downtown sidewalks beginning June 13 and continue for 10 months. The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District will kick-off the event June 13 with a garden party and

Construction-related road changes

2008-05-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

by Pedro Ramirez IIIMonday May 12, 2008, 7:32 AMSyracuse, NY -- Here are today's construction-related road changes: Route 174Construction continues in the village of Marcellus between Main Street and Scotch Hill Road. Traffic is reduced to a single lane between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The road work will continue through the summer. I-481Traffic will be reduced to one lane north from Exit 6 (I-90) to

Hotel Indigo Coming to College Park, Ga.

2008-05-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

by finchannel.comThe FINANCIAL -- IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's largest hotel groups by number of rooms, on May 9 announced that a Hotel Indigo is coming to downtown College Park, a well-established community near Hartsfield- Jackson Atlanta International Airport and one of the fastest growing cities in metropolitan Atlanta. The 142-room property is expected to open in

UDR breaks ground on 99-acre development in Addison

2008-05-09T07:42:00.000-07:00

Dallas Business Journal Real estate investment trust UDR Inc. broke ground Thursday on Vitruvian Park, a billion-dollar multifamily, retail and commercial development in Addison. The 99-acre development is about one mile north of Interstate-635/LBJ Freeway between Midway Road and Marsh Lane in Addison's southwest quadrant. UDR (NYSE: UDR), based in Highlands Ranch, Colo., said the

Vintage Communities' Lake Parkway project detailed

2008-05-08T13:41:00.000-07:00

Atlanta Business ChronicleVintage Communities Inc. is planning a mixed-use project in Gwinnett County that will include a 155-room hotel. The Lawrenceville, Ga.-based developer has asked for rezoning to build the hotel, 333 condominiums, 648,400 square feet of office space and 59,700 square feet of retail space on an 11.5-acre parcel on Lakes Parkway at the Hwy. 316/Sugarloaf Parkway

Study shows San Antonio is a popular place for families who are relocating

2008-05-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

San Antonio Business Journal San Antonio has been named the fifth best large metropolitan city in America for relocating families by Worldwide ERC and Primacy Relocation. The two companies examined several factors, including job growth figures for 2007, percentage of nearby top-ranked colleges, average in-state tuition for four-year public colleges, the amount of pediatricians per 100,000

Luxury condo sales office closing amid economic uncertainty

2008-05-08T13:16:00.001-07:00

Philadelphia Business Journal Part of the development team for Parkway 22, a planned 35-story condominium and townhouse community that would sit off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Center City Philadelphia, said the project's sales center will close Friday, citing a change in market conditions. Developer Dalia Shuster and property owner V&H Hotel Associates said in a statement that uncertain

Austin recession-proof?

2008-05-08T12:53:00.000-07:00

Austin Business Journal Austin was named third on the Forbes.com list of the top 10 "Recession-Proof Cities" in the United States. To create the list, the magazine looked at the 50 largest U.S. metros, examining key measures, such as unemployment data, non-farm related job growth, median home prices and data from a 2007 report, "U.S. Metro Economies: The Mortgage Crisis" by the U.S. Conference

Texas economy is continuing to outpace the nation

2008-05-08T12:26:00.000-07:00

San Antonio Business Journal - by Donna J. Tuttle The Texas economy has been dragging its feet since January, but continues to outperform the nation, according to an update from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. "While signals remain mixed, there is increased sentiment that Texas economic activity will not rebound to its trend rate of growth until 2009," Fed senior economist Jason L. Saving

Volvo Rents eyes Dallas for franchise growth

2008-05-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

Volvo Rents is targeting the Dallas area for franchise expansion. The company, which is a division of Asheville, N.C.-based Volvo Construction Equipment North America Inc. that offers franchise opportunities in the construction equipment rental business segment, said that construction spending in the Dallas market is projected to reach $10.4 billion in 2008. While many parts of the country

Governor Announces $2.42 Million for Brownfield Projects

2008-05-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

More than $2.42 million in Environmental Restoration Program (ERP) grants have been announced for the investigation of contamination at brownfield sites in nine communities across New York State, including a $348,700 grant for the Town of Warrensburg in Warren County. Warrensburg will use its grant to investigate the nature and scope of contamination at a former paper mill on the Schroon River,

Long Island developer secures option to buy abandoned Amsterdam mill

2008-05-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

The former Chalmers Knitting Millwill become a mixed-use developmentwith office, retail and residential buildingsThe Business Review (Albany) - by Michael DeMasi The Business Review City leaders in Amsterdam, N.Y., approved an option with developer Uri Kaufman to sell an abandoned textile mill for $138,000 that Kaufman wants to convert into upscale apartments. The Common Council voted 4-1 on

Republic Bank forecloses on part of Woodstock Downtown mixed-use project

2008-05-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

Atlanta Business ChronicleRepublic Bank has foreclosed on a portion of the retail development of Hedgewood Commercial Properties' Woodstock Downtown project. The foreclosure on Building B of the project happened May 6. Hedgewood said the bank asked the existing development, leasing and management team to stay aboard to keep the mixed-use project moving forward. "Having an ongoing

Georgia Power to pay $6.4 billion for new nuclear reactors

2008-05-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

By KRISTI E. SWARTZThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 05/07/08Georgia Power will pay approximately $6.4 billion to Westinghouse Electric to build its share of two proposed 1,100-megawatt nuclear reactors at the utility's Vogtle plant south of Augusta, the utility said Wednesday. If approved, the plants promise customers higher power bills starting in 2018 . Customers would pay an

Fulton to increase water rates 15 percent

2008-05-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

Conservation reduces county use by 30% By D.L. BENNETTThe Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionPublished on: 05/08/08Fulton County officials praised county water users Wednesday for their success at conservation — then socked them with a 15 percent rate increase for their effort. The conservation penalty the County Commission adopted Wednesday 6-0 matches the increase Atlanta utility officials asked

Plan your alternate routes: 14th Street bridge closing May 27

2008-05-08T11:27:00.000-07:00

Closure will last year and a half while aging structure is replacedBy ARIEL HARTThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 05/08/08Doomsday for 14th Street bridge users now has a name: Tuesday, May 27. On that day, Midtown Memorial Day travelers who haven't made it home by midnight Monday should find the bridge closed – for a year and a half.The closure is to allow workers to replace the

Three Ga. companies land on Fortune's 'Best Companies to Work For' list

2008-05-08T09:55:00.001-07:00

Atlanta Business Chronicle Aflac Inc., Alston & Bird LLP and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta are among Fortune magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For 2008. Columbus, Ga.-based insurance company Aflac (NYSE: AFL) came in at No. 30. Fortune noted Aflac has a top comp package - pension, profit sharing, 401(k) match - and recently gave shareholders a rare say-on-pay vote. The company has 4,162